Throughout the summer, I received assignments from many practice areas, helping me narrow down my interests. In addition, I worked on a pro bono matter with very high stakes for a client with complex immigration issues.

– 2016 Summer Associate

The Work

Our summer program provides law students the opportunity to learn first-hand what life is like as an associate at Arent Fox. The work is important, responsibilities are clear, and the expectations are realistic. Most importantly, you will work directly with partners - just like our associates.

Variety of Assignments

Our goal is to expose summer associates to a variety of areas of the law so they leave the program with a solid understanding of the kind of work that could be available to them after law school. Assignments are based on personal interests and work flow.

On the Job Training

Beyond meaningful work assignments, you will have a number of training opportunities:

Summer Colloquium

A two day retreat at the DC office where summer associates from all offices come together to participate in trainings, oral communications and writing workshops, and social events.

Lunch & Learn Series

This program expands associates’ knowledge of the firm, showing them how practice groups interact. The series also covers topics such as Business Development 101, Pro Bono 101, and Law Firm Economics.

Take-Alongs

Professional Development

Schooling never stops. Having a successful legal career often means having to develop a broad range of skills. At every level, lawyers are offered opportunities for training, mentoring, evaluation and advancement. We provide supportive resources such as core skills and practice-based skill guidelines for associates to use as road maps in driving their careers. Our curriculum is designed to support mastery of these skills, which reflect the firm's expectations and strategic business goals.

Diversity Scholarship

Diversity produces different perspectives, richer thinking, and more creative solutions.

Each year, the firm provides four minority law students with a Diversity Scholarship and a position in the firm's summer associate program. Since its conception in 2006, the firm has annually awarded a scholarship to law students in the Washington, DC and New York offices. In 2008, the scholarship program was extended to students in the Los Angeles office, and this year, the firm is awarding a scholarship in San Francisco.

I was working with a partner on a matter. My thoughts on the matter were appreciated and well received. I assisted drafting our statement of position; I met with the client; and after we won the case, I presented at the monthly group meeting. These are the kinds of experiences you get from working at a place that wants to see you grow. These are the experiences you get at Arent Fox.

– 2017 Summer Associate

FAQs

Where is the Arent Fox Summer Program located?

Arent Fox hosts summer programs in our DC, NY, LA, and SF Offices.

What types of assignments do summer associates receive?

Summer associates are expected to help with ongoing client matters that correspond to their interests. This often includes conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, and attending client conferences. Summer associates receive assignments from a designated monitor.

How does the evaluation process work?

Feedback is a central component of the summer associate program at Arent Fox. Each assignment will be evaluated by a supervising attorney but we highly encourage summer associates to reach out for informal feedback from not only your mentor and advisor, but other attorneys at the firm as well.

How long is the summer program?

The summer program lasts for 10 weeks. It begins late May and ends late July.

Is there a mentor program for summer associates?

Each summer associate is assigned a personal team of dedicated attorneys and staff for guidance and support. Members of the Employment Committee and firm Management serve as evaluators and work individually with summer associates. Evaluators review your assignments, consult with assigning attorneys and conduct performance reviews. Each summer associate is paired with a partner or counsel reader. Your reader functions as a writing coach who constructively critiques the organization, clarity, and style of your writing. Summer associates will be paired with a junior associate advisor, or “buddy,” to assist with acclimation to the firm. Your buddy will introduce you to colleagues and serve as an important resource.

Are summer associates able to work on pro bono matters?

Yes, summer associates have the opportunity and are encouraged to work on pro bono cases.

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At Arent Fox, opportunity is a function of creativity, drive, and talent. You won’t find a top-down management structure setting the tone at our firm. Because we’re not a corporation, we’re a partnership. You’re in the driver’s seat. Let’s go.